News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

8 Restaurant Chains With the Most Closures This Year So Far

8 major restaurant brands scale back and close stores.

By Amanda Machado , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated April 30, 2026

Add Us On Google

For many Americans, especially those who have spent decades frequenting familiar dining spots, the restaurant landscape may feel noticeably different lately. Longstanding chains that once seemed nearly untouchable are beginning to scale back their footprints, with hundreds of locations slated for closure across 2025 and into 2026.

Several structural pressures have been building for years. Food costs have risen sharply, with roughly 90% of restaurant operators reporting the need to raise their prices. At the same time, customer habits may be shifting away from traditional dine-in experiences toward takeout, delivery, and smaller-format stores.

Below are eight restaurant chains with some of the largest confirmed closure plans so far to keep in mind when you are trying to go out to eat more.

Wendy's

The company has indicated plans to close roughly 5% to 6% of its U.S. locations, which could translate to approximately 300 to 350 restaurants. The process appears to begin in late 2025 and may continue through 2026, targeting stores that have struggled to meet performance expectations.

Leadership has stated that these closures are not tied to a bigger exit or shutdown from the market. Instead, the focus seems to be on modernizing the brand's footprint. Newer locations, often designed with enhanced drive-thru capacity and digital ordering in mind, may play a larger role moving forward as older units are phased out.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

Starbucks

Under CEO Brian Niccol, the company has already closed roughly 500 locations across North America and is planning on closing hundreds more in 2026. This effort is part of a broader restructuring initiative known as "Back to Starbucks," which seems to focus on efficiency and consistency across stores.

Rather than showing a decline in demand, the Starbucks closures may reflect an effort to refine the company's network. Some locations have faced challenges related to staffing and other issues. As consumer preferences lean more heavily toward mobile ordering and pickup, store formats may continue evolving alongside the closure strategy.

Pizza Hut

Parent company Yum! Brands has confirmed plans to close about 250 U.S. locations in 2026. The decision follows a reported same-store sales decline of around 5% in 2025, which just shows the ongoing challenges for traditional dine-in pizza restaurants.

Over time, Pizza Hut has shifted toward delivery and carryout, but not all legacy locations appear well-suited to that model. As a result, some closures may reflect a transition away from older, dine-in-heavy stores toward formats that better align with current customer habits.

Papa John's

The company has outlined plans to close approximately 200 locations in 2026, with another 100 expected to follow in 2027. In total, about 300 restaurants may be affected, representing close to 9% of its U.S. footprint.

This adjustment comes after a period of slowing same-store sales throughout 2025. While the brand remains widely recognized, competitive pressure in the pizza delivery space appears to have intensified. The closures may allow the company to concentrate resources on higher-performing markets and more efficient operations.

Jack in the Box

Even as the chain marks its 75th anniversary, it has been quietly reducing its number of locations. By the end of 2025, an estimated 80 to 120 restaurants had already closed, with an additional 50 to 100 closures expected during 2026.

These changes appear to be part of a bigger overall effort to streamline the system. Some locations may have faced declining traffic or rising operating costs, making them less sustainable in the current environment. The company's long history suggests it may be aiming to adapt rather than shut down.

Denny's

After closing approximately 100 locations in 2025, the classic diner chain underwent a huge shift in early 2026 when it transitioned from public to private ownership. That change may provide more flexibility in restructuring decisions, including additional closures.

Denny's has long been associated with round-the-clock dining, but consumer behavior may not support that model as strongly as it once did. Adjusting store hours, locations, and formats could become part of a broader effort to reposition the brand for a different era.

Don't Miss: 9 ways to tackle high grocery costs you won't hear about from your grocery store

Noodles & Company

With a footprint of roughly 400 locations, the chain has been gradually scaling back. Plans call for closing about 30 to 35 additional restaurants in 2026, following earlier rounds of closures in both 2024 and 2025.

This steady reduction may reflect a disciplined approach to improving profitability. Rather than making sweeping changes all at once, the company appears to be evaluating locations individually, closing those that underperform while refining its menu and operational strategy.

Bahama Breeze

Owner Darden Restaurants has announced plans to wind down the Bahama Breeze concept entirely. Locations are expected to close by April 2026, with some potentially converted into other Darden brands.

Unlike the other chains on this list, this move might lead to a full shutdown rather than a partial closure. The decision may reflect shifting priorities within Darden, as the company focuses on brands that generate more consistent traffic and returns, like Olive Garden and Cheddar's.

Bottom line

Although the number of closures across these chains may seem substantial, they appear to be part of a bigger restructuring effort rather than a sign of widespread industry decline. Many companies are choosing to operate fewer locations, but with stronger performance and more efficient systems in place.

One important takeaway for diners is that convenience and consistency may continue shaping the future of restaurant chains. Expanded digital ordering and a focus on high-traffic areas could become more common, and is something to keep in mind when you are trying to save money on groceries and takeout food.

More from FinanceBuzz: